Classic Costa Rica

Overview

Every year thousands of tourists travel to Costa Rica but few get to experience this charismatic country's real way of life. On this Classic Costa Rica trip you'll uncover jungle gems in Tortuguero and Sarapiqui; hot springs, waterfalls and a live volcano in La Fortuna; and white sandy beaches at Quepos - all set to a sizzling samba beat. This adventure into the heart of tropical paradise will surely leave you wanting more.

Itinerary

Day 1: San Jose

Hola! Welcome to Costa Rica!

Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

With over half the country's population living within its parameters, San Jose is a bustling city with lively markets, intriguing museums and a dynamic atmosphere. A good place to start exploring is the main plaza, a fantastic place to get comfy and do some people watching. Artisan booths are common here and you never know when there'll be a spontaneous art fair. Have a look at the Gold Museum which has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If these cultural gems get you in the mood for a bit of shopping head to the out door market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can buy anything from handicrafts to seafood.

Day 2: Tortuguero National Park

We leave San Jose and descend to the Caribbean lowlands by local bus (approx 4 hours). The final section of our journey to the port at La Pavona is on an unsealed road. Then take a boat to Tortuguero National Park (approx. 1.5 hours).

This area has long been associated with the catching of turtle (tortuguero means turtle-catcher). The original indigenous inhabitants used turtles as a sustainable resource, but the arrival of Europeans led to major exploitation. Tortuguero National Park, established in 1970, is now home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals. Among them are manatees, ocelots and jaguars, as well as over 300 bird species. First and foremost, however, it is the nesting ground of the green turtle, which comes ashore between July and October to lay its eggs on the sandy beaches. Lesser numbers of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, plus loggerheads, and giant leatherback turtles also nest within the park at different times of year.

Included Activities

Walking tour of Tortuguero National Park

Optional Activities

Turtle watching night tour - USD20

Tortuguero - Sunrise canoe trip around Tortuguero canals - USD25

Accommodation: Lodge (1 nt)

Meals: 1 breakfast

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Today your leader will lead you on a walk around the park's main paths. Keep your eyes peeled to spot monkeys, birds, frogs and perhaps a sloth or two.

Accommodation: Lodge (1 nt)

Day 4 Sarapiqui

Early in the morning we travel to Sarapiqui in the heart of Costa Rica's banana growing region. First, transfer back to the port by boat (approx 1.5 hours), then continue to Sarapiqui by private minibus (approx 3 hours).

On the banks of the Puerto Viejo River and next to the Braulio Carrillo National Park, this budding town is surrounded by virgin forests, and banana and pineapple plantations. Sarapiqui is also known as one of the richest areas in Costa Rica for bird watching. The diversity of lowland bird life is impressive. A biological research station and several nearby forest lodges have made this undisturbed habitat accessible to scientists and travellers.

Optional Activities

Sarapiqui - La Selva Biological Station - USD35

Sarapiqui - Bird watching - USD20

Sarapiqui - Chocolate tour at Tirimbina - USD25

Accommodation: Hotel (1 nt)

Day 5: Sarapiqui

There is plenty of free time to explore the jungle that surrounds the town by mountain bike or on foot, or find a comfy spot to watch the colourful birdlife glide by. Alternatively you may wish to satisfy your sweet tooth on a chocolate tour.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 nt)

Meals: 1 breakfast

Day 6: Santa Rosa de Pocosol

Travel by private minibus to Santa Rosa de Pocosol (approx 2 hours) where we spend the night in a homestay. Just down the road is the Juanilama agricultural community where we have the option to get to know the local villagers, help with farm chores or take a cooking lesson. Several villagers have built comfortable rooms for guests next to their homes. All rooms have shared facilities.

In order to make the most of this homestay experience, it may take a bit of effort from your side to break the ice first. Learn as many Spanish words as you can and get ready for some serious hand language signals.

Activities

Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Agricultural tour

Optional Activities

Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Cooking class - USD10

Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Soap-making workshop - USD10

Santa Rosa de Pocosol - Waterfall hike - USD10

Accommodation: Homestay (1 nt)

Meals: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 7: La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano

Continue by private minibus to La Fortuna (approx 2 hours).

This small town is situated just a few minutes away from Costa Rica's most famous volcano - the majestic Arenal.

Day 8: La Fortuna

Besides the spectacular views, La Fortuna offers a range of activities such as the 70-metre-high La Fortuna waterfall, stunning lush forest, rare plants, animal watching and watersports on the lake.

The volcano’s inner workings also mean that the area has a number of thermal springs where hot, lava-heated water gushes to the surface. These springs have been turned into a number of thermal pools and waterfalls, often surrounded by foliage, an ideal chance to relax.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 nt)

Day 9: Monteverde

Today take the scenic route to Monteverde (approximately 4 hours in total). Travel by shared minibus to Lake Arenal, which we'll cross by boat. On a clear day you'll see fantastic views of the surrounding area. On the other side of the lake, re-board the minibus and continue on to our destination.

Monteverde was founded as an agricultural community in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers; they cleared virgin forest to create verdant pastures ideal for dairy farming. These environmentally aware settlers were conscious of the danger that unrestricted settling and farming could cause to this precious habitat. Consequently they established a small privately-owned wildlife sanctuary, which has since grown to become the internationally-renowned Monteverde Cloudforest Biological Preserve. These forests are similar to rainforests, but instead of relying on rain for essential moisture, adequate water comes from the semi-permanent cloud that covers the region. It is lush and full of wildlife. This is truly a nature lover's paradise. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home.

Included Activities

Monteverde - Cloud Forest hike

Optional Activities

Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD35

Monteverde - Zip lining - USD45

Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD35

Monteverde - Night walk - USD35

Monteverde - Butterfly garden and insects farm - USD30

Monteverde - Serpentarium - USD15

Accommodation: Hotel (1 nt)

Day 10-11: Monteverde

Your leader will take you on a walking tour through the Monteverde National Park. Alternatively, walk through the canopy on suspension bridges or watch butterflies at play in the specially created butterfly garden. The local guides are very knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation and in the local communities there are several cooperatives worth visiting. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Monteverde home. Be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the most elusive birds in the world.

Accommodation: Hotel (2 nt)

Day 12: Quepos

Travel to Quepos by private minibus (approx 5 hours).

Located close to the beautiful Pacific beaches and exotic wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos is a laidback town with a vibrant nightlife.

Optional Activities

Manuel Antonio- Sunset sail - USD75

Manuel Antonio - Mangrove tour by kayak (with lunch) - USD80

Manuel Antonio - Surf/boogie board rental - USD10

Quepos - Local guided tour - USD25

Accommodation: Hotel (1 nt)

Day 13: Quepos/Manuel Antonio NP

Spend your time here enjoying all that Manuel Antonio NP has to offer. Head out for a hike along its many trails, keeping one eye on the great views and the other looking for the abundant wildlife. Monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds are among the species you maybe be able to spot. The park also boasts turquoise seas and white sand beaches, perfect for swimming, kayaking, sailing or fishing. It would be easy to spend your whole time here in, or by, the water.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 nt)

Day 14 San Jose

Take a local bus back to San Jose (approx 4 hours). The buses in this region of hte country are a little more basic but this is a great opportunity to mix with Costa Ricans and get a feel for local life.

Arrive back in time for you to pick up some last minute souvenirs at the city's colourful and vibrant markets. Then we can head out for an optional dinner and a final night on the town sampling the huge variety of nightlife. The perfect way to end our adventure.

Availability

Reviews

Overall Rating

Guide

Value

Itinerary

Accommodations

This was my first time on a group trip and I have to say I have no regrets. The tour guide was outstanding. He was knowledgeable, hilarious and accommodating. He was always concerned about the group and was willing to go the extra mile. I can only hope the next tour leader on my next trip lives up to that standard. The trip itself, what it offered as well as the activities offers were amazing. It was the perfect mixture of wildlife, adventure and relaxation. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone.

Recently Viewed Trips

coupons for Extra Saving

Save 5%

Book With 4 Friends/Family

4 or more: everyone saves 5%

The more friends you bring on a trip, the more you will save. Bring enough friends and you will travel for free!

Copy this promo code

PR392471125

Apply promo code while booking

Save 7%

Book With 6 Friends/Family

6 or more: everyone saves 7%

The more friends you bring on a trip, the more you will save. Bring enough friends and you will travel for free!

Copy this promo code

PU505690126

Apply promo code while booking

Save 10%

Book With 8 Friends/Family

8 or more: everyone saves 10%

The more friends you bring on a trip, the more you will save. Bring enough friends and you will travel for free!

Congratulations, your email has been sent!
Click here to send another email.

Your Name

Error

Your Email

Error

Friend's Email:

Error

Your Message:

The ‘new’ AdventureLink website is currently in BETA.

We recognize that there are aspects of the site that might need further fine tuning, and we’re asking for your help.
Please help us build a better site, and to show our appreciation we’ll offer a limited time reward.

Who Can Join the Beta Program?

Anyone can join this public beta program, however it is limited to the first 100 travelers who sign up.
When you join, you will be able to test drive the website until August 07, 2016.
We ask that you use AdventureLink as you normally would, but submit a report when you encounter a bug or other issue to support@adventurelink.com Please join us and let us know what you think.

What are the ‘special’ rewards you’ll get?

Apart from getting to peek into the next generation of OneClick Trips, you can save 10% off your bookings.
OneClick Trips are bookable trip packages with set itineraries. Trips carefully crafted to take the hassle out of planning your vacation.
These trips are perfect if you’re looking to dig deeper into a destination through incredible experiences - but also want an effortless,
one stop shopping experience. So go on and explore these immersive itineraries and plan your next dream vacation and get 10% Off all
trips by using the code: PR825538103 Through August 07, 2016